Suite of configurable products which can be configured during fitting, configuration tool and configuration process for such products

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a suite of configurable products which can be configured during fitting. It also relates to a configuration tool tailored to this suite of configurable products. It relates finally to a configuration process for such products. A configuration tool ( 19 ) linked by an infrared channel ( 18 ) for communicating configuration words initially recorded in a memory ( 34 ), and selected by a keypad ( 23 ) performs the loading of the configuration words into the memory ( 6 ) of a control circuit ( 1 ) equipped with a microcontroller ( 2 ) executing a program for configuring a configurable product, such as a sanitary ware during the on-site fitting thereof. Application to a suite of sanitary ware products.

The present invention relates to a suite of configurable products whichcan be configured during fitting. It also relates to a configurationtool tailored to this suite of configurable products. It relates finallyto a configuration process for such products.

In the state of the art, products are known which are equipped withmeans of control of their operation and which also comprise severalfacilities such as actuators or detectors which, in cooperation with thecontrol means, execute a particular service according to the programprerecorded in the control means. Such a control means can be builtaround a microprogrammed microcontroller.

In the state of the art, it is already known to fit such a product intothe service environment in which it has to work, and to apply learningthereto, for example by enabling an acknowledge switch in a learningphase and by executing a certain number of operations with the aid ofwhich the microcontroller configures and/or adjusts the actuators and/orthe detectors with which it cooperates so as to tailor its functioningto its environment. Such a technique is quite satisfactory.

However, configurable products such as these frequently form part of asuite of products. Several products of the suite then share mutuallycommon facilities. In order to reduce the manufacturing cost, on the onehand, and the difficulty of fitting, on the other hand, it is desirableto achieve standardization of such devices or products.

This is especially the case in respect of a suite of so-called sanitaryware products which all comprise:

-   -   an infrared presence detector whose range in particular must be        tailored within the premises where the product is mounted before        being usable in an acceptable manner;    -   at least one electrovalve making it possible to control a wash        stream of the sanitary ware on which the configurable product is        mounted;    -   a control circuit making it possible in particular to trigger a        wash stream periodically.

Such a suite of configurable products for controlling sanitary wares canthus comprise:

-   -   wash-hand basins;    -   all or nothing presence detectors;    -   time-delay showers;    -   standard urinals;    -   urinals with prewash;    -   toilets;    -   hand dryers;    -   soap dispensers.

In the state of the art, each component of each product of the suite isregarded as alone in relation to the product, and not as a member of asuite of products. Particularly, distinct methods of configuration areenvisaged which make fitting difficult. It is an aim of the presentinvention to propose a suite of products which can be configured withoutdifficulty during fitting.

Specifically, the present invention relates to a suite of configurableproducts which can be configured during fitting, characterized in thateach product comprises:

-   -   a microcontroller microprogrammed so as to execute at least one        service program and one configuration program;    -   input/output ports connected to a plurality of actuators and/or        detectors intended to cooperate with the said service program;    -   a memory intended to receive a plurality of configuration data        during execution of the configuration program;    -   the service program executing the predetermined service as a        function of the said configuration data after the execution of        the loading of the said memory.

According to another object, the microcontroller of configurableproducts of the suite of configurable products of the invention alsocomprises:

-   -   an input/output port connected to a means of linking with an        external configuration tool.

The configuration tool mentioned in the definition of the suite ofconfigurable products of the invention allows in particular a fitter,after he has installed the product in its actual service environment,and in particular its hydraulic electric connections, to configureand/or adjust it.

To this end, the invention relates to a configuration tool tailored to asuite of configurable products, characterized in that it comprises:

-   -   a microcontroller microprogrammed so as to execute at least one        program for configuring a configurable product when the said        configuration tool is connected by a tailored communication        channel to at least the said configurable product;    -   a facility for selecting a plurality of configuration data and        which is connected to a read or read/write port of the        microcontroller;    -   a means for linking with the means of linking of at least the        said configurable product;    -   a configuration data memory loaded with a configuration data        group set, each configuration data group being intended for the        configuration of a specified configurable product and/or of a        mode of operation (adjustments) of the latter.

The invention relates finally to a process for configuring at least oneconfigurable product of a suite of configurable products.

According to another object, the invention also relates to a process forconfiguring at least one configurable product of a suite of configurableproducts by means of a configuration tool, characterized in that itconsists:

-   -   in loading a memory of configuration data groups, each data        group specifying the configuration and/or the adjustment of at        least one configurable product of the suite of configurable        products;    -   in connecting by a suitable communication channel the means of        linking of the said configuration tool and of at least the said        configurable product;    -   in selecting on a selection facility of the said configuration        tool at least one group of configuration data specifying the        configuration and/or the adjustment of the said configurable        product;    -   in response, on the said configurable product, in loading the        said group of configuration data into the configuration data        memory of the said configurable product.

Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention will bebetter understood with the aid of the description and of the appendeddrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a configurable product inrelation to a configuration tool according to a preferred implementationof the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of two parallel procedures executed in theconfiguration process of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram representing the structure of a configuration word;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart representing the operation of a configurableproduct according to the invention once configuration has beenperformed;

FIG. 5 represents a standard module intended for a suite of configurablesanitary ware products according to the invention in a particularapplication.

Represented in FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a configurable productconnected with the configuration tool of the invention.

The configurable product 1 essentially comprises a microprogrammablemicrocontroller 2 which essentially contains a configuration program anda service program. The microcontroller 2 cooperates via input/outputports with actuators and/or detectors 3, 4, 5. The actuators anddetectors 3, 4, 5 are limited in number only by the processingcapabilities of the microcontroller 2. This arrangement isconventionally encountered in configurable products of the state of theart.

The actuators make it possible to apply actions as a function of theservice program recorded in the microcontroller, while the detectorsmake it possible, as a function of the environment and/or of command(s)from the user, to execute the phases of the program prerecorded in themicrocontroller as will be explained later.

The configurable product of the invention comprises a memory 6 intendedto receive a plurality of configuration data during the execution of theconfiguration program recorded in the microcontroller 2.

The configuration data memory 6 is connected to the microcontroller byway of a data bus 7 and an address bus 8, as is known, and comprises aplurality of addresses 9 in which a plurality of words such as WORD1,WORD2, WORD3 are recorded at specified places or addresses.

The microcontroller 2 finally comprises, in one embodiment, an outputport 15 connected by a link 16 to a display module 17 comprisingespecially, in a particular mode, a light emitting diode intended, whenit is lit, to indicate that the configurable product is in the actualconfiguration phase, this diode being a so-called state diode.

Represented in FIG. 5 is a standard module intended for a suite ofconfigurable products according to the invention in a particularapplication. In the suite of this application, the configurable productsconsist of:

-   -   wash-hand basins;    -   all or nothing presence detectors;    -   time-delay showers;    -   standard urinals;    -   urinals with prewash;    -   toilets;    -   hand dryers; and/or    -   soap dispensers.

All these products comprise at least one infrared presence detector 105and one light-emitting diode 108, mounted on the front face of themodule 100 of FIG. 5, serving as indication of state of its controller,and hence for this purpose visible from “outside”.

By way of actuator, of the type of the actuators 3-5 of the programmableproduct of FIG. 1, the modules 100 cooperate with an electrovalvesupplied through two wires furnished with terminal strips 102 and 103which control its state of opening and of closing, so as to control forexample the intake of water into the sanitary ware equipped therewith.

The light-emitting diode 108 is controlled by a microcontroller, such asthe microcontroller 2, and it is lit when the microcontroller 2 detectsthe presence of a user in the field of radiation or of detection of theinfrared detector 105.

The module 100 next comprises an electrical supply connector 101.

It also comprises, on its rear part, a lug 104 which makes it possibleto pinpoint the position of the light-emitting diode in such a way as toplace it “high up” so that the light-emitting diode 106 is in a zonewhich is visible in the configurable product of the invention, inparticular by the product fitter.

In all the products of the suite of configurable products, theconfiguration parameters are in particular the following:

-   -   the infrared detection range;    -   the delay in the turning on of the function such as the opening        of the tap by the electrovalve;    -   the turning off or timing out upon the turning off of the        electrovalve;    -   a safety delay duration upon the opening or the closing of the        electrovalve;    -   a manual turning off in binary or boolean form;    -   a duration of the stream or wash flow rate;    -   a duration of the stream or prewash flow rate; and/or    -   an automatic wash period.

When fitting the sanitary ware, the fitter places the microcontroller 2of the control device mounted in the sanitary ware in a first mode ofadjustment of the range of detection of presence of a user of thesanitary ware.

In this mode of adjustment, the microcontroller 2 comprises a means ofdetection of first mode of adjustment which cooperates with a means ofcontrol of the turning on and turning off of the state diode 17 (FIG. 1)or 108 (FIG. 5). It is then possible to execute the phase of adjustmentof the range of triggering of the water flow or flow rate by causing theflashing of the state diode 108, visible to the fitter, and to executethe first mode of programming.

To this end, the fitter then applies his hand against the face in whichthe infrared presence detector 105 is mounted. The means of detection offirst mode of adjustment places the microcontroller 2 in a phase ofadjustment of the range of triggering of the water flow by causing thestate diode 108 to flash.

After a predetermined duration T1, of for example ten seconds, themicrocontroller 2 executes the recording of a detection value VD0emanating from the infrared presence detector 105, which value VD0 ituses as minimum presence distance and as value for triggering theadjustment of triggering distance.

To indicate to the fitter that the distance VD0 has been acquired, andrecorded in a suitable address of the memory 6, the microcontroller 2places the state diode 108 in a constant illumination for a duration T1of for example five seconds.

During this time, the fitter moves his hand, away from the face of theconfigurable product 100 where the infrared presence detector 108 islocated, so as to place it in the desired presence detection position.He then keeps his hand in position for a few moments, waiting for thecontroller 2 of the configurable product to acquire the detection valueVD1 emanating from the infrared presence detector 105, which value VD1it uses as minimum presence distance.

To indicate to the fitter that the distance VD1 has been acquired, andrecorded in a suitable address of the memory 6, the microcontroller 2places the state diode 108 in a flashing state for a duration T2, of forexample five seconds, and then, at the end of this acknowledgementduration T2, the controller 2 places the state diode 108 in a state ofconstant illumination, marking the end of the procedure for adjustingthe presence detection range.

In another embodiment, which is not exclusive of the previous one, afterhaving mounted the control device incorporating the circuit 1 of FIG. 1,in a sanitary ware furnished with an electrovalve, the microcontroller 2executing the configuration program described previously also executes asequence making it possible to adjust a value chosen from apredetermined set of values:

-   -   either of discontinuous values, such as the succession {1, 3, 8,        15, 25};    -   or of continuous values within a predetermined span for example        of integer values lying between a minimum value, 1 for example,        and a maximum value 255, for example.

In an exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller 2 is equipped with ameans for detecting a cutoff of the supply to the electrovalve whichmakes it possible to instigate the execution of a software counter whichprovides, during the count initiated by the detection of the cutoff ofthe supply to the electrovalve, an incremental value Xi which makes itpossible:

-   -   either to sequentially traverse a table of values recorded in        memory 6 containing the succession of discontinuous values {1,        3, 8, 15, 25};    -   or to serve directly as value chosen from a predetermined span        for example of integer values lying between a minimum value, 1        for example, and a maximum value, 255 for example.

The configuration program executed by the microcontroller 2 places, assoon as the count begins, the state diode in a flashing state so thatthe fitter can mentally count the interval in which he has progressedthe counting of a continuous value Xi or of the address in the table ofpredetermined values. The fitter then reconnects the electrovalve. Themeans for detecting a cutoff of the supply to the electrovalve thendetects the transition of voltage on its voltage measuring input, andstops the counter at the value Xn. The value Xn is then:

-   -   either used by the configuration program to write to an address        of the memory 6 the value addressed in the span of predetermined        discontinuous values such as {1, 3, 8, 15, 25};    -   or used directly by the configuration program to write to an        address of the memory 6 the value Xn as recorded value of the        programmed parameter.

Subsequently, the service program executed by the microcontroller 9 willuse the value recorded at the said address of the memory 6 as adjustmentparameter.

According to another object of the invention, coming back to thearrangement of FIG. 1, the microcontroller 2 also comprises aninput/output port 10 connected by a bidirectional link 12 to acommunication management circuit 11 which is itself connected by abidirectional link 13 to a transmit/receive module 14 connected to achannel 18 for linking with the configuration tool proper 19.

The configurable tool 19 comprises a microcontroller 21. A configurationprogram which is tailored to carry out in cooperation with at least oneconfigurable product, such as the product 1, the configuring of theconfigurable product, is kept recorded by the microcontroller 21.

To this end, the microcontroller 21 comprises a data bus 26 and anaddress bus 27 which are connected in particular to a configuration datagroup memory specifying the configuration and/or the adjustment of theconfigurable product 1 when it is connected by the linking channel 18 tothe configuration tool 19.

The microcontroller 21 then comprises an input/output port 28 connectedby a bidirectional link 29 to a communication device 30, connected by abidirectional link to a transmit/receive module 32 tailored forexchanging communications over the linking channel 18.

The microcontroller 21 then comprises an input/output port which isconnected to a facility for selection of at least one data groupspecifying the configuration and/or the adjustment of the configurableproduct 1 which is communicating via the linking channel 18 with theconfiguration tool 19.

In a particular embodiment, the selection facility comprises a keypad 23which is equipped with a plurality of preprogrammed function keys andwhich is connected to a read port 22 of the microcontroller furnishedwith a well known resource for decoding the keypad.

The selection facility, here consisting of the keypad 23, makes itpossible to address, through the intermediary of the address bus 27, agroup of words in the memory 34 connected to the said address bus 27 anddata bus 26.

The memory 34 having previously been loaded with groups of words such asthe groups of words 35, 36, 37 . . . , each group of words comprising aplurality of words such as the words 38 or 39.

When the configuration program recorded in the microcontroller detectsthe depressing of a particular key of the keypad 23, it addresses agroup of words 36 and, as the case may be a particular value 38associated with the key.

The group of words or the word is then sent by the communication meansto the transmit/receive module 32, then transferred to the linkingchannel 18, then detected on the transmitter/receiver module 14 of theconfigurable product 1. The detected group of words is then transferredby way of the communication facility 11 and the link 12 to themicrocontroller 2, then loaded by the data bus 7 at the suitable addressindicated by the configuration program recorded in the microcontroller2. The group of words is loaded at the address indicated on the addressbus 8 in the stack of configuration words 9 of the memory 6.

The configuration tool 19 finally comprises a means of display of thestate and/or of the selection of the word or of the group ofconfiguration words which was made with the aid of the keypad 23 whichis connected, for this purpose, by an output port 24 of themicrocontroller 21.

In a particular implementation, display is carried out by astraightforward light-emitting diode 25.

In another embodiment, it can be carried out by a plurality of diodesjust one of which displays at a time in front of the indication of theconfiguration selected on the keypad 23.

In another embodiment, the selection facility can be conjoined between aparticular means of selection and a display means such as a touch screenor an “Organizer” type pad.

The configuration facility 19 can finally comprise a connection 40intended to allow linkage between the configuration tool and a computerfor loading the memory 34.

For this purpose, the programming connector 40 is connected in a knownmanner by an input/output port 41 of the microcontroller 21.

When, the programming tool 19 has been manufactured in the factory, theprogramming tool is embodied in a portable box with its own supply, inparticular from batteries, and it is connected by the connector 40, forexample, to the serial socket of a computer for programmingconfiguration tools. By virtue of a previously produced program, loadedwith the series of the groups of configuration words 35, 36, 37corresponding to the entire suite of configurable products such as theproduct 1, the computer downloads the configuration tool.

At the end of the downloading operation, the programming tool, embodiedin its portable box, is disconnected from the serial link through thesocket 40 and it can then be used by the fitter subsequently for all theconfigurable products of the suite of configurable products of theinvention.

The main steps of the configuration process of the invention will now bedescribed.

In a first step of the process of the invention, the loading of a memorywith configuration data groups is carried out, each data groupspecifying the configuration or the adjustment of the configurableproduct.

It is clear that this memory is that which is disposed in aconfiguration tool as explained with the aid of FIG. 1.

In a second step, the means of linking of the configuration tool areconnected by a suitable communication channel such as the channel 18, toat least one configurable product of the suite of configurable productsof the invention.

In one embodiment, it is possible to carry out a single programming of aseries of identical configurable products, if they are placed in anenvironment representative of reality.

Such a solution can be applied when several products can be linked bythe same linking channel 18 and when one and the same group of words orof configuration data can be used to configure them.

It is noted that the configuring of a configurable product of a suite ofconfigurable products can be carried out by selecting one or moreactuators or detectors such as the actuators and detectors 3, 4 and 5 ofthe product 1 of FIG. 1, but also by indicating a suite of operatingvalues which is associated with a sensor, or is associated with aparticular actuator.

Therefore, throughout the present patent application, the termconfiguration will be understood to mean both the selecting of aparticular facility of the product or the adjusting of its operation.

Likewise, configuration is actually envisaged during-fitting, but it mayalso be repeated during the maintenance or repair procedure,subsequently during the life of the configurable product of the suite ofconfigurable products of the invention.

In a third step of the configuration process of the invention, theselecting on the selection-facility of the configuration tool for agroup of configuration data specifying the configuration and/or theadjustment of the configurable product 1 is carried out.

When the microcontroller 2 of the configurable product 1 is connected bythe linking channel 18 to the configuration tool 19, the microcontroller2 executes its own configuration priming program so as to load theconfiguration word or words into the stack of configuration words 9 ofthe memory 6.

It will be noted that the microcontroller 2 preferably consists of thesame microcontroller as that which executes the service program whichserves the actuators and detectors 3-5.

Therefore, it is also possible for the memory 6 containing the stack ofconfiguration and/or adjustment words 9 to serve as data memory and aswork memory for the utilization of the configurable product 1.

Coming back to FIG. 1, it is noted that the type of link envisaged maybe unrestricted. In a preferred embodiment, the transmit/receive modules14 of the configurable product and 32 of the configuration tool 19consist of infrared transmitter/receiver modules, for example of theiRDA type.

In other embodiments, the transmit/receive devices consist of wireconnection sockets, the linking channel 18 then consisting of a databus.

In another embodiment, the transmit/receive module 14 or 32 is embodiedin radiofrequency form, for example according to the “BLUETOOTH”standard (registered trademark).

Represented in FIG. 2 is the flowchart of the part of the process of theinvention which relates more specifically to the exchanging of data overthe channel 18.

The flowchart of FIG. 2 is composed of two halves 50 and 51, the lefthalf 50 being associated with the configuration program loaded into themicrocontroller 21 of the configuration tool 19, while the right half 51is associated with the program recorded in the microcontroller 2 of theconfigurable product 1.

In a startup step 52, the remote control such as the configuration tool19 of FIG. 1, is placed in operating state for example by depressing theon/off key.

Control then passes to a test 53 of pressing of a key of the keypad 23of the configuration tool 19. As long as a key has not been depressed,control returns to the beginning of the test 53.

When the key press test is positive, control passes to a step 54 ofpreloading of the configuration word to be dispatched corresponding tothe function selected on the key of the keypad 23.

Control then passes to a step 55 of displaying or of turning on thelight-emitting diode 25 of the configuration tool 19.

Then, control passes to step 56 in the course of which the communicationcircuit 30 generates the startup bit bound for the configurable productundergoing configuration.

For this purpose, the data item consisting of the startup bit is sentaccording to the flow 57 to a step 58 of startup of the configurationprogram recorded in the microcontroller 2 of the configurable product 1.Control then passes to the test of receipt of a data item originatingfrom the configuration tool 19 in a test 59, as long as the test is notactivated, control returns to the input of the test.

When the test is positive, control passes to a step 60 in the course ofwhich the microcontroller through the intermediary of its communicationmeans 11 generates a confirmation word or data item bound for thecommunication facility 30 of the configuration tool 19 according to theflow 61.

Control then returns to the procedure 50 in the configuration tool 19 ina test 62 in the course of which confirmation of receipt is awaited fromthe module.

As long as the confirmation of receipt test is not positive, controlreturns to the beginning of the test 53 of pressing a key.

When the test 62 of pressing of a key is positive, control, in theprocedure 50 passes to a step 63 of production or of transmission of theword preloaded during step 54.

The preloaded word is then sent, according to the flow 64, and controlpasses to the procedure 51 on the configurable product 1.

A test 65 for detecting if data are received is performed during thistest 65 and control returns to the beginning of the receipt of remotecontrol test as long as this test is not positive.

When the test 65 of receipt of data is positive, control of procedure 51passes to step 66 of storing the data received in a suitable memory ofthe stack of configuration words 9 of the memory 6.

Control of the procedure 51 passes via a programming correction test 67.

If the test is negative, that is to say if the programming or therecording of data is suitable, by virtue of correct readout of the datain memory, control passes back to the step of, awaiting receipt of wordsor of data originating from the channel 18 in the step of test 59.

If the programming correction test 67 is suitable, control passes to thenext step 68. Step 68 is executed when a step 69 has previously beenperformed before entry to the data reception test 65, when themicrocontroller 2 of the programmable product executes the turning on ofthe light-emitting diode 17.

In this case, during step 68, on completion of the positive test 67, thelight-emitting signalling diode is turned off on the configurableproduct. Control then passes to an end step 69.

During this time, in the procedure 50 executed in the configurationprogram of the microcontroller 21 of the configuration tool 19, onepasses to a step 70 in which the light-emitting diode 25 is turned offso as to indicate the end of the procedure for downloading the selectedconfiguration words or the group of selected configuration words.Control then passes from the procedure 70 to the end step 71.

Represented in FIG. 3 is the configuration of a configuration word 82.

In a particular embodiment, the configuration word comprises a header 80which indicates the identity of the function concerned from among theset of configurable functions in the configurable products of the suiteof configurable products of the invention.

The word 82 then comprises a configuration value proper which can, inparticular, be an indication of an adjustment suite such as a range inthe case of an infrared detector from among the actuators and thedetectors 3-5 of the product, or the duration of timeout of an actuatoror of the change of state of the actuator such as one of the actuators3-5 in the product 1.

Represented in FIG. 4 is a flowchart explaining the service programexecuted in the microcontroller 2 of the configurable product 1 whenconfiguration has been performed.

In a begin step 90, control executes a reading of the configurationmemory during a step 91.

The configuration data are then loaded in a service procedure during astep 92 in the course of which the service procedure makes it possibleto carry out the actions on the actuators 3-5 as a function of thedetection elements if there are detectors and the control procedurepasses from the step 92 to an end of service test step 93.

If the end of service test 93 is negative, control returns to thereading 91 of the configuration memory.

If the end of service test 93 is positive, control passes to an end step94.

Coming back to the preferred embodiment of a suite of configurableproducts which consists of the eight sanitary ware products describedhereinabove, each of the eight preceding words constitutes aconfiguration data group which is loaded into the memory 34 of theprogramming tool 19.

The various possible values are loaded for each word such as the word 35into one of the values 38 or 39.

As a result of this, as a function of the usage environments, the fittercan load a group of configuration data which are suitable for theoperation of the programmable appliance fitted.

Some of the appliances do not need all the hereinabove aforesaidconfiguration words and, in that case, their value is indicative of anon-connection.

A particular embodiment will now be described of the process forconfiguring a configurable product consisting of a device forcontrolling the operation of a sanitary ware, which uses both the manualprogramming described hereinabove and the remote programming describedwith the aid of the remote control or configuration tool 19, thesanitary ware and/or its control device forming part of the hereinabovedescribed suite of configurable products.

In this embodiment, the remote control or configuration tool 19 is, asdescribed previously, used when fitting the sanitary ware. The fitterhaving pressed a suitable function key, the configuration tool 19 placesthe microcontroller 2 of the control device mounted in the sanitary warein a first mode of adjustment of the range of detection of presence of auser of the sanitary ware.

In this embodiment, it is then possible to execute the phase ofadjustment of the range of triggering of the water flow rate by causingthe flashing of the state diode 108, visible by the fitter, and toexecute the first mode of programming, the description of which may bereferred to hereinabove.

Likewise, it is also possible to mount the control device incorporatingthe circuit 1 of FIG. 1, in a sanitary ware furnished with anelectrovalve, the user having pressed a suitable function key of theconfiguration tool or remote control 19, the configuration tool 19places the microcontroller 2 of the control device mounted in thesanitary ware in a second mode of adjustment of a value chosen from apredetermined set of values, second mode of programming, the descriptionof which may be referred to herein.

In a concrete case, with the aid of the remote control 19, the fitterhas placed the configuration program of the controller 2 in a first modeof adjustment for the selecting of the duration of closure of a bistableelectrovalve controlled by the circuit 1 of FIG. 1. The microcontroller2 equips a control circuit of a wash-hand basin, the opening of whosewater tap is controlled by the closing of an electrovalve.

In a first sequence, as explained hereinabove, the fitter adjusts thepresence detection range on the presence detector 108 after havingplaced the microcontroller 2 in the mode of adjustment of the presencedetection range. The memory receives a value of presence detectiondistance DDP which is recorded in a first address of the memory 6 asdescribed hereinabove.

In a second sequence, the fitter with the aid of the remote control 19places the microcontroller 2 in the mode of programming in the waterdispensing duration by interrupting the supply to the electrovalve withwhich the tap of the wash-hand basin is equipped.

The approaching of the user's hands to the preprogrammed distance fromthe infrared presence detector triggers the closing of the electrovalveand, therefore, the opening of the flow. The means for detecting cutoffof the supply to the electrovalve then starts at the same time thecounter Xi and the slow flashing of the state diode, flashingsynchronized with the period of incrementation of the counter Xi. Thecounter Xi has been preloaded with the minimum value of 5, and eachcounting interval represents one unit. The fitter having decided toadjust the duration of dispensing over 15 seconds, the counts tenflashes of the state diode and re-enables the electrovalve, the effectof this being to stop the counter at the final value Xn=15 and to recordthe value Xn=15 in a second address of the memory 6.

When the service program is executed, if a user of the wash-hand basinapproaches the presence detector 108 to the distance DDP, themicrocontroller 2 transmits via its suitable output port a calibratedpulse which causes the bistable electrovalve to close and the dispensingof water starts.

At the same time, the microcontroller 2 starts a time count which isstopped when the time counter has reached the value Xn=15 recorded atthe second aforesaid address of the memory 6. The microcontroller 2 thenplaces a new calibrated pulse on its output port connected to thebistable electrovalve, the effect of this being to open and interruptthe dispensing of water.

1. Suite of configurable products which can be configured duringfitting, characterized in that each product comprises: a microcontroller(2) microprogrammed so as to execute at least one service program andone configuration program; input/output ports connected to a pluralityof actuators and/or detectors (3-5) intended to cooperate with the saidservice program; a memory (6) intended to receive a plurality ofconfiguration data during execution of the configuration program; theservice program executing the predetermined service as a function of thesaid configuration data after the execution of the loading of the saidmemory.
 2. Suite of configurable products, in particular for control ofsanitary wares of the kind comprising a presence detector withadjustable detection range, according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe microcontroller (2) of the control device mounted in the sanitaryware is placed in a first mode of adjustment of the range of detectionof presence of a user of the sanitary ware, the microcontroller (2)comprising a means of detection of first mode of adjustment whichcooperates with a state signalling means (17, FIG. 1; 108, FIG. 5), themeans of detection of first mode of adjustment detecting that the fitteris applying his hand against the face in which the infrared presencedetector (105) is mounted, then detecting after a duration (T1) that thefitter is moving his hand away from the face of the configurable product(100) where the infrared presence detector (108) is located so as toplace it in the desired presence detection position, next that he is nowkeeping his hand in position for a second duration (T2), waiting for thecontroller (2) of the configurable product to acquire the detectionvalue (VD1) emanating from the infrared presence detector (105), whichvalue (VD1) it uses as minimum presence distance, acquired, and recordedin a suitable address of the memory (6).
 3. Suite of configurableproducts, in particular for control of sanitary wares of the kindcomprising an electrovalve for controlling a sanitary wash flow,according to claim 1 characterized in that the microcontroller (2) ofthe control device mounted in the sanitary ware is placed in a secondmode of adjustment and comprises a means for executing a sequence makingit possible to adjust a value chosen from a predetermined set of values:either of discontinuous values, such as the succession {1, 3, 8, 15,25}; or of continuous values within a predetermined span for example ofinteger values lying between a minimum value (1), and a maximum value(“255”); in particular, the microcontroller (2) being equipped with ameans for detecting a cutoff of the supply to the electrovalve whichmakes it possible to instigate the execution of a software counter whichprovides, during the count initiated by the detection of the cutoff ofthe supply to the electrovalve, an incremental value Xi which makes itpossible: either to sequentially traverse a table of values recorded inmemory (6) containing the succession of discontinuous values {1, 3, 8,15, 25}; or to serve directly as value chosen from a predetermined spanfor example of integer values lying between a minimum value (“1”) and amaximum value (“255”); the microcontroller (2) comprising a means forplacing, as soon as the count begins, a means of signalling of the stateof adjustment so that the fitter can mentally count the interval inwhich he has progressed the counting of a continuous value Xi or of theaddress in the table of predetermined values; next, the means fordetecting a cutoff of the supply to the electrovalve detecting atransition of voltage on its voltage measuring input, stopping thecounter at the value Xn: either used by the configuration program towrite to an address of the memory (6) the value addressed in the span ofpredetermined discontinuous values such as {1, 3, 8, 15, 25}; or useddirectly by the configuration program to write to an address of thememory (6) the value Xi as recorded value of the programmed parameter.4. Suite of configurable products according to claim 1, characterized inthat the microcontroller (2) of the configurable product comprises aninput/output port (10) connected by a bidirectional link (12) to acommunication management circuit (11) which is itself connected by abidirectional link (13) to a transmit/receive module (14) connected to achannel (18) for linking with a configuration tool (19).
 5. Suite ofconfigurable products according to claim 4, characterized in that themicrocontroller (2) of a configurable product comprises an output port(15) connected by a link (16) to a display module (17) such as alight-emitting diode intended, when it is lit, to indicate that theconfigurable product is in the actual configuration phase. 6.Configuration tool tailored to a suite of configurable productsaccording to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: amicrocontroller (21) microprogrammed so as to execute at least oneprogram for configuring a configurable product when the saidconfiguration tool is connected by a tailored communication channel (18)to at least the said configurable product (1); a facility (23) forselecting a plurality of configuration data and which is connected to aread or read/write port of the microcontroller; a means (32) for linkingwith the means of linking (14) of at least the said configurable product(1); a configuration data memory (34) loaded with a configuration datagroup set, each configuration data group being intended for theconfiguration of a specified configurable product and/or of a mode ofoperation (adjustments) of the latter.
 7. Configuration tool accordingto claim 6, characterized in that the microcontroller (21) comprises aninput/output port (28) connected by a bidirectional link (29) to acommunication device (30), connected by a bidirectional link to atransmit/receive module (32) tailored for exchanging communications overthe linking channel (18).
 8. Configuration tool according to claim 7,characterized in that the microcontroller (21) comprises an input/outputport (22) which is connected to a facility for selection (23) of atleast one data group specifying the configuration and/or the adjustmentof the configurable product (1) which is communicating via the linkingchannel (18) with the configuration tool (19), such as a selectionfacility comprising a keypad (23) which is equipped with a plurality ofpreprogrammed function keys and which is connected to the read port (22)of the microcontroller furnished with a resource for decoding thekeypad, so that the selection facility addresses, a group of words inthe memory (34) connected to an address bus (27) and a data bus (26),the memory (34) having previously been loaded with groups of words (35,36, 37 . . . , ) each group of words comprising a plurality of wordssuch as the words (38 or 39), so that when the configuration programrecorded in the microcontroller detects the depressing of a particularkey of the keypad (23), it addresses a group of words (36) and, as thecase may be, a particular value (38) associated with the key, the groupof words or the word then being sent by the communication means (39) tothe transmit/receive module (32), transferred to the linking channel(18), detected on the transmitter/receiver module (14) of theconfigurable product (1) and transferred to the suitable addressindicated by the configuration program recorded in the microcontroller(2) in the stack of configuration words (9) of the memory (6). 9.Configuration tool according to claim 8, characterized in that itcomprises a means of display (25) of the state and/or of the selectionof the word or of the group of configuration words which was made withthe aid of the keypad (23), such as a straightforward light-emittingdiode.
 10. Configuration tool according to claim 6, characterized inthat it comprises a connection (40) intended to allow the linkingbetween the configuration tool and a computer for loading the memory(34).
 11. Process for configuring at least one configurable product of asuite of configurable products as is defined according claim 1,characterized in that it consists: in loading a memory withconfiguration data groups, each data group specifying the configurationand/or the adjustment of at least one configurable product of the suiteof configurable products; in connecting by a suitable communicationchannel the means of linking of the said configuration tool and of atleast the said configurable product; in selecting on a selectionfacility of the said configuration tool at least one group ofconfiguration data specifying the configuration and/or the adjustment ofthe said configurable product; in response, on the said configurableproduct, in loading the said group of configuration data into theconfiguration data memory of the said configurable product.
 12. Processaccording to claim 11, characterized in that, when the microcontroller(2) of the configurable product (1) is connected by the linking channel(18) to the configuration tool (19), the microcontroller (2) executesits own configuration priming program so as to load the configurationword or words into the stack of configuration words (9) of the memory(6).
 13. Process according to claim 11, characterized in that theconfiguration is initiated in a startup step (52), the remote control(19) having been placed in an operating state.
 14. Process according toclaim 12, characterized in that it comprises a test (563) of pressing ofa key of the keypad (23) of the configuration tool (19), followed by astep (54) of preloading the configuration word to be dispatchedcorresponding to the function selected on the key of the keypad (23).15. Process according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises astep (55) of display or of turning on of the light-emitting diode (25)of the configuration tool (19).
 16. Process according to claim 14,characterized in that it comprises a step (56) in the course of whichthe communication circuit (30) generates a startup bit bound for theconfigurable product undergoing configuration, so that a step (58) ofstarting up the configuration program recorded in the microcontroller(2) of the configurable product (1) is executed (57), so that a test(59) of reception of a data item originating from the configuration tool(19) is performed.
 17. Process according to claim 15, characterized inthat it comprises a step (60) for generating a confirmation word or dataitem bound for the communication facility (30) of the configuration tool(19), so that a test (62) is performed, in the configuration tool (19),in the course of which confirmation of receipt is awaited from themodule, as long as the test of confirmation of receipt is not positive,control returning to the beginning of the test (53) of pressing of akey, and when the test (62) of pressing of a key is positive, controlpassing to a step (63) of producing or of transmitting the preloadedword, sent (64) to the configurable product (1).
 18. Process accordingto claim 17, characterized in that it comprises a test (65) fordetecting if data are received and control returns to the beginning ofthe test of receipt of remote control as long as this test is notpositive, next, when the test (65) of receipt of data is positive,control of the procedure (51) passes to the step (66) of storing thedata received in a suitable memory of the stack of configuration words(9) of the memory (6).
 19. Process according to claim 18, characterizedin that control of the procedure (51) passes via a programmingcorrection test (67), so that if the test is negative, that is to say ifthe programming or the recording of data is suitable, by virtue ofcorrect readout of the data in memory, control passes back to the stepof awaiting receipt of words or of data originating from the channel(18) in the step of the test (59), and if the programming correctiontest (67) is suitable, control passes to the next step (68).
 20. Processaccording to claim 11, characterized in that it consists in placing themicrocontroller (2) of the configurable product in a first mode ofadjustment of a continuous operating value, such as the range ofdetection of presence of a user of a sanitary ware equipped with aninfrared presence detector, by sending of a selected configuration wordto a configuration tool (19).
 21. Process according to claim 19,characterized in that it consists, in placing the microcontroller (2) ofthe configurable product in a second mode of adjustment of a valueselected from a set of discontinuous values or of a continuous valuewithin a specified span, such as a duration of opening of theelectrovalve for controlling a wash flow in a sanitary ware furnishedwith an electrovalve.
 22. Process according to claim 10, characterizedin that a service program is executed in the microcontroller (2) of theconfigurable product (1) when configuration has been performed.